chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
Man’s and Woman’s Independence in
Islam
Don't be anyone's slave since God created you to be free."
[Bihar
al-Anwar, v.77, p.214]
Human
Freedom and Independence
Mankind's
creation is based upon his freedom in life, independence in carrying out daily
affairs and in control over choices. No one has the right to make another his
slave imprisoning that individual to serve his own needs. To deprive others of
freedom and free will is a mortal sin, capital treason and a great crime.
Liberty
and the control over one's affairs are ingrained in man's essence, whose nature
was created with this truth in mind. Freedom and independence are the greatest
blessings God has bestowed upon mankind. These are is the most excellent sources
of growth, perfection and attaining higher worldly and spiritual positions. The
field of freedom is the best area. The condition of having control over one's
affairs and being free is the most wonderful condition for an individual.
One
very important case of Islam's struggle against oppression concerns that of
man's liberty. Islam fights like a tiger against those whose philosophy is based
on colonization and exploitation and want to enslave men who have been created
to be independent. Islam emphatically decrees that an all-out holy war (Jihad)
must be made against oppression and the oppressors who have attacked freedom.
All
of the damages imposed upon mankind's life throughout history are the direct
result of depriving people of liberty and attacking their freedom. Listening to
and putting up with bullying, accepting to be oppressed, and selling one's
freedom are the greatest sins and will be the cause of being deprived of God’s
Mercy. Also one's worldly and spiritual interests will be endangered.
It
is absolutely necessary to protect one's freedom, the ability to make choices
and one's free will; all of which God the Almighty has bestowed upon man so that
he may develop, reach a state of perfection and his talents would blossom.
( 52 )
Whenever these benefits are endangered, you must defend them even if it costs
your very life.
A Strange Story About Freedom
In
history it has been recorded that the Caliph Yazeed or one of his agents was on
his way to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, when he entered the town of Medina, he
sent for a Koreyshite citizen and when the man came, Yazeed (or his agent) asked
him: "Confess that you are my slave! If I wish I will sell you as a slave
and if not I will keep you as a slave."
The
Koreyshite responded: "I swear to God that you are not any nobler than I am
regarding family roots. Your father was not any better than my father in the Age
of Ignorance and in the era of Islam. You are not at all superior to me
regarding faith and religion. You are not any better than I am. Given that I
possess all these characteristics, how do you expect me to confess to be your
slave?"
The
oppressor told him: "If you do not confess to this, I will order your
execution."
The
man responded: "Killing me is not any worse than killing Imam Husayn."
At
this point, the order of execution was issued and he became a martyr for the
sake of freedom and free will. [Ruzih i-Kafy, p.313]
The
Commander of the Faithful 11stated:
O
people! People were not born slaves. Verily all people are free."[Mizan al-Hikmat,
v.2, p.351]
And
he also stated:
Do
not be anyone's slave since God created you to be free." [Bihar al-Anwar,
v.77, p.214]
Then
we must note that what is meant by freedom is freedom from slavery and worship
of other men, freedom from lust, erroneous instincts and moral corruption. Man
is born pure and innocent as a superior creature free from slavery with nobility
and honor. In short, man is free from all vices and has free will. He is then
guided by God, his own wisdom and nature, the Prophets, the Imams, the Holy
Quran and the sages to use this freedom and free will in order to make the best
choices and become prosperous in this world and in the Hereafter.
If
an individual pays no attention to the above-mentioned explanations and turns
his back on God's guidance, undoubtedly one will lose the pearl of freedom, free
will and control when dealing with the tyrants and the Satans of the time. One
will get involved in greediness, haughtiness, jealousy, instincts and lust. That
person will be a slave to the world and other people. He/she will be a slave to
____________
11 Imam Ali
( 53 )
lust and instincts, a prisoner of greediness and will not benefit from nobility,
prosperity and the blessings of this world and of the Hereafter.
There
are some who commit any crime and pollute themselves with any sort of lust and
sin: They obey anybody and call this roguery "freedom." They are
ignorant slaves, vile servants, contemptible bondsmen and poor creatures.
The
Commander of the Faithful (Pbuh) stated:
Those
who give up their unlawful desires are really free men.
He
also said:
The
world is simply a highway and the people on it are of two groups: The first have
sold themselves to lust, materialism and dirty tricks. They are in danger of
perishing. The second group have freed themselves from all those disgusting
acts: They are free of any sort of evil in this world and punishment in the
Hereafter."
Imam
Sadiq (Pbuh) stated:
There
are five characteristics which if a man does not have one, there would remain
not much in him to benefit from:
1)
Faithfulness; 2) Thinking about the future; 3) Modesty; 4) Being good-tempered;
5) Freedom, which is what causes all these characteristics to come together in
an individual. [Mawa'ez Al-Adadieh, p.268.]
Imam
Ali (Pbuh) said:
Do
not let greediness enslave you since God has created you to be free. [Mizan al-Hikmat,
v.2, pp.351-2]
He
also stated:
One
of the divine favors granted to the free individual is to legally earn his
living. [Ibid]
An Important Matter
A
person must pay strict attention to the truth and meaning of freedom, the worth
of free will and control, and the fact that when man remains in the shade of
God's guidance he will benefit from independence, free will and control. Then he
shall attain lofty positions, efficient ranks, and truths which he thought he
could never understand.
Let's
try to preserve our independence throughout our whole lifetime, even in the face
of all events and catastrophes. Doing so will make us happy and satisfy our
Lord.
You
know that the atom is made up of neutrons, protons and one or several electrons.
By God's will the electrons are attracted to their own central axis orbiting at
the specified speed and in the specified order. As long as this speed and
rotation continue based on that especial order and the forces of attraction and
repulsion, the atom is beneficial wherever it may be and whatever it may do.
( 54 )
However, when the forces of attraction and repulsion are removed, the electrons
lose their special order and separate from the central nucleus, the result will
be nothing but destruction.
We
can compare man to the atom. His nature, his search for God and his monotheistic
belief are like the atom's nucleus. And the continuation of his existence is
dependent upon all his body parts and his internal states being attracted to God
and his actions being based on God's decrees.
His
actions should never be void of submission to God. Separation from God and
leaving the domain of attraction of His Love and Knowledge or in other words
leaving God's orbit, will result in corruption in man's physical parts and his
inner being.
The
Holy Quran states:
As
to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world
and in the Hereafter, nor will there be anyone to help them. [Holy Quran: Al-i-Imran
3:56]
One
of the factors in controlling man from indulging in some types of corruption is
the very important program of marriage. When man has the required worthiness -
meaning that he benefits from faith, morality and action to the extent of his
capabilities - and also finds a good match in life, his appearance and internal
states are controlled. His independence will be preserved and he will be safe
from being enslaved by unlawful lust, corrupt programs and unsuitable friends.
There
are so many men - who having faith, good dispositions and nobleness - helped
their spouses to attain divine status, positions and humane nobleness. Also
there are so many women, who being aware and insightful, have helped their
husbands to attain lofty human status and magnificent, heavenly positions.
A Dignified and Worthy Spouse
In
the year 60 A.H. (681 A.D.), Zuhayr Ibn Qayn Bijali went on the pilgrimage to
Mecca with a few of his attendants and performed the necessary ceremonies there.
He was the head of this small caravan which had set out from his house to the
House of God (Ka'aba) in Mecca and would then return home. Zuhayr thought he
would return home, but this was not to be his fate. Zuhayr was traveling from
the House of God to God, but he himself was not aware of the fact. Zuhayr's
small caravan did not wish to stay at the same way-station as the caravan of
Imam Husayn (Pbuh). He did not want to join up with Husayn (Pbuh).
If
Husayn's caravan stopped at that way-station, then Zuhayr's would pass by it and
stop at the next way-station. And if Husayn did not stop at that way-station,
then Zuhayr would stop and rest there. Zuhayr would do his best not to come face
to face with Husayn (Pbuh). Why was this so?
( 55 )
Zuhayr's
social status necessitated that he would do so since he was not one of the
companions of Ali (Pbuh) and his household.12 He had nothing to do
with Ali's household. Zuhayr was one of Uthman's supporters, a strong backer of
Yazeed's government and an ally to the existing governmental system. On one
hand, he knew Imam Husayn (Pbuh) and held especial respect for Ali's household.
He did not want to be partner in the assassination of Ali's son - Husayn (Pbuh).
He wanted to remain impartial in the matter: he wanted to preserve his
friendship with the Ummayyad clan [Uthman's clan] while at the same time not
fight with Husayn (Pbuh). Therefore he could not come face to face with Husayn (Pbuh),
since such an occurrence would be reported to Yazeed. If Husayn (Pbuh) requested
Zuhayr to help him, what would Zuhayr do? If he helped Husayn (Pbuh), he must
cut off relations with his allies and fellowmen. And if he did not help Husayn (Pbuh),
disobeying Husayn (Pbuh) was not allowed.
Husayn
is the son of Ali (Pbuh) and Fatimah (Pbuh): He is eminent and the only
remembrance of the Prophet of Islam. How could Zuhayr not obey Husayn's order?
What would he have to say to God? How could he handle the fire of Hell?
Remaining impartial was the best way out, so Zuhayr's caravan should stop at a
way-stop in which there was the least possibility of Zuhayr meeting Husayn (Pbuh).
Zuhayr wanted to do one thing, but fate determined something else.
The
way-stations in the dry, hot wilderness of Arabia are very far apart, so the
caravans must stop at the closest way-station whether they want to or not.
Zuhayr's caravan had to stop at the same one as Husayn's caravan did: The place
which converted the followers of the Caliph Uthman into the followers of Ali (Pbuh),
and the followers of Yazeed became the followers of Husayn (Pbuh). The tents of
Zuhayr and his companions were set up in one place and the harem curtains of
Husayn's caravan were hung up beside those tents. Husayn (Pbuh) knew that Zuhayr
was brave, generous, well-known, an eloquent speaker and an able person. What a
waste it was that he had all these worthy qualities, but was far away from true
human beings and was subject to animals like the Umayyad clan! What a waste for
an enlightened man not to benefit from freedom! This worthy pearl did not
deserve to be amongst ruins and not be an outstanding human being.
At
this way-station, Zuhayr also took the necessary precautions not to confront
Husayn (Pbuh). Husayn (Pbuh) had revolted against Yazeed's government and Zuhayr
was one of the government's supporters. The government expected its supporters
to be enemies with its enemies and to subdue any rebels. Coming into contact
with those mutinous fellows was considered to be the greatest offense.
Zuhayr
was sitting in his tent busy eating a meal with his relatives when suddenly the
tall figure of Imam Husayn's representative appeared, greeted
____________
12 Translator's note: Imam Ali is the father of
Imam Husayn.
( 56 )
Zuhayr and said: "Zuhayr Abu 'Abdullah! Husayn (Pbuh) born of Ali (Pbuh)
requests you to come to him!"
Zuhayr
had come face-to-face with exactly what he was afraid of. Being terribly
frightened, he could not utter a single word and could not think of what was
suitable to do. He had not thought that such a situation would come up and was
perplexed about what to do. Should he ignore Husayn's message and disobey his
command, or should he turn his back on Yazeed and go over to Husayn's side. Both
actions would not be considered to be impartial which was his goal. Now the
situation does not allow him to be impartial.
A
heavy silence fell upon those present. Eating and talking were forgotten.
Husayn's messenger stood looking at the scene. He was confused and asked himself
why they were so quiet. Why didn't Zuhayr come with him and why didn't he say he
wouldn't come? Husayn (Pbuh) had not put any pressure on Zuhayr and Zuhayr was
free to answer as he liked.
A
few minutes passed in silence and Zuhayr couldn't make a decision. Should he say
yes or no? The light of guidance was needed to free Zuhayr from his dark state
of doubt and wondering and help him make up his mind. That was the most
important moment in Zuhayr's life: the moment to choose between life and death.
He was aware of the government’s power. Zuhayr was familiar with Husayn's
companions and knew that Husayn (Pbuh) and everyone with him would be killed. He
knew that Husayn's family would be captured. He knew why Husayn (Pbuh) had sent
for him and that Husayn's path led towards Heaven and Yazeed's to Hell: the
former ends in prosperity and the latter in destruction.
Suddenly
a lady's voice broke the silence and enabled him to make a decision. She was
Zuhayr's wife, Delham who said: "O' Zuhayr! The son of the Prophet (Pbuh)
is calling you and you do not go? Glory be to God! Go and see what he has to
say. Listen to him and return." How wonderful is a good wife.
Zuhayr
got up to go to Husayn (Pbuh). A short time later he returned smiling with no
signs of sorrow on his visage. No one knew what Husayn (Pbuh) had told him in
that short period of time.
When
Zuhayr returned to his own tent, he said: "Take down my tent and set it up
next to Husayn's (Pbuh)." A river joined the sea. Zuhayr who followed
Yazeed became a follower of Husayn (Pbuh). He was released from oppression and
reached the domain of justice. The follower of the Caliph Uthman went and the
follower of Ali (Pbuh) came back. See how prosperity envelopes man. Zuhayr faced
his companions and said: "Whoever is my follower shall join me or else,
farewell!"
Zuhayr's
cousin, Salman Bajly joined Zuhayr and became a follower of Imam Husayn (Pbuh).
And after saying the noon prayer with Imam Husayn (Pbuh), he was martyred on the
Day of Martyrdom. Zuhayr rejected this world and whatever was in it, so he
joined Husayn (Pbuh) and died with him. Just now Zuhayr is with Husayn (Pbuh) in
the other world. Zuhayr said good-bye to his
( 57 )
dear wife and stated: "You must go back to your family so that you will not
be harmed because of me."
He
returned her property to her and sent her back to her clan with her cousin.
Delham cried and said good-bye to her worthy husband stating:
God
be your helper and want the best for you! In this last moment of ours, I have a
request for you. On the Day of Judgment when you are admitted to the presence of
Husayn's grandfather - the Prophet (Pbuh), remember me and don't forget me! [Pishvaye
Shahidan, p.328]
O'
yes, freedom, thinking freely, choosing Husayn (Pbuh), and Zuhayr's free will
had all been looted from him by the Ummayad clan, but his wife caused all these
things to be returned to him. In the shade of freedom, Zuhayr was freed from the
bonds of the ungodly and was embraced by ever-lasting prosperity. Therefore, it
would not be an exaggeration to say that marriage guarantees freedom and
free-will, and returns freedom to man.
Protect
the spirit of Allah in you by getting married. Safeguard your position as God's
representative on Earth (Caliph) from the looting of lust and corruption.
Increase your faith and your own good deeds by marrying, thereby receive half of
your religion. Protect the other half of your religion with piety and abstaining
from the divinely forbidden acts. Men share in the blossoming of women's talents
and women help men to rise in status.
Woman
is a wise, deserving and able creature, so much so that the great sages have
decreed she causes truth to appear in man's being. And man is honorable, of
noble birth and a dignified creature, so much so that it has been said on his
behalf that he causes woman to reach lofty ranks.
Ali
(Pbuh) stated that the first woman from amongst the women of this world who
steps into Heaven is Khadijah13. This implies woman has a divine
spirit and she is in the position of being God's representative on Earth. And
she possesses an excellent essence and human, moral and religious resources.
O'
yes, a woman free of temptations, free of being a prisoner of the ungodly, free
of lust and tendencies towards forbidden acts; together with a free man are two
precious pearls and two lofty truths in this magnificent expanse of Creation.
Imam
Husayn (Pbuh) has attributed Hurr ibn Yazeed's free personality to the noble
mother of that martyr. And the Commander of the Faithful Ali (Pbuh) thought the
greatness of Malik Ashtar to be the very reflection of his mother's chastity and
godliness.
At home, the man must be the example of all good acts for woman and vice versa.
And both should be excellent models and a good example for their children.
____________
13 The Prophet Muhammad's wife
( 58 )
One's Independence in Marriage
Mothers
and fathers must pay attention to the fact that the right to choose a spouse -
with important conditions that dear Islam has stated - belongs to the offspring
themselves. Parents do not have the right to force their son to marry a girl
whom he does not approve of. Also parents do not have the right to force their
daughters to marry the ones she does not want to. The offspring have the
God-given right of freedom to choose their spouse. A very important tradition
has commented upon the right to choose in marriage: Ibn Aby Ya'fur said that he
had the following request direction from Imam Sadiq (Pbuh):
I
had chosen a certain woman to marry but my mother and father have chosen
another. What should I do?" The Imam said: "Marry the one whom you
like to and forget about the other one whom your father and mother have approved
of." [Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, p.235]
In
the practical treatises of great Shiite authorities regarding marriage we read:
If
a suitable spouse is found for a young girl and is religiously according to
custom a good match for her, and her father and grandfather are too strict and
do not approve, then their permission is not required. [Risaleh-i-Tuwzih Al-Ma'sael,
Ayatullah Fazel Lankarany , p.418, Matter 2236]
Therefore,
if a young man has found his best match and a young girl has also found her best
match, the approval or lack of approval of the father and mother does not work
as a condition. The young couple may marry with the permission of Islam and the
approval of God.
Mothers
and fathers should not force their own wishes and selfish desires of their clan
upon young men and women who want to marry. It is forbidden in Islam to force
others to do things. To undergo force is also prohibited by Islam.
Men
and women are free to choose legitimate work and the wages they earn belong to
them: Their ownership of the income is legitimate. The wife does not have any
rights to man's property except with his permission and vice versa. We must note
that men and women's independence must be respected in all aspects of life.